RESIST! Fighting for Transgender Equality

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Prior to the 2016 election, transgender communities had significant challenges to overcome. The murders of transgender women of color continue to increase, there have been 11 murders to date in 2017. Key findings from the National Center for Transgender Equality’s 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey show that transgender people live in extreme poverty they are three times more likely to have an income of less than $10,000 a year. Even when transgender people have full health insurance coverage, they often face discrimination by health care providers. One-fifth reported being refused medical care due to their gender identity or expression, and many postponed medical care due to discrimination (28%) or inability to afford it (48%). Moreover, transgender people, especially transgender women of color, are at heightened risk for HIV. The risk burden for HIV among trans people is 49 times higher than among other adults, and data shows higher community viral loads and higher mortality for trans women. Other studies have found that 9 out of 10 transgender students in K-12 schools had been harassed at school in the previous year, and that nearly 50% had attempted suicide.

Under the new administration this has become much worse as we anticipate and have seen a period of increased attacks and decreased governmental protections and support. From the rise of hate violence to mass deportations Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) people are particularly vulnerable. As transgender people become more visible, right-wing movements are increasingly targeting the community and the new administration has already rescinded federal guidelines protecting TGNC students.

In this moment of increased attacks against TGNC people, Pride month has great significance, it’s more critical than ever before to remember the roots of resistance and empowerment from which Pride Celebrations were born. TGNC communities across California, as they have for decades, continue to resist and fight back and keep each other safe. We invite you to join Transgender Law Center (TLC) in this growing movement.